NSK Ltd. (Japan; Tokyo: 6471; 5251R9N7) announced it is setting up a new large-bearing manufacturing subsidiary, in China.

The company said it is, "in anticipation of growing demand in that country for large-sized bearings used in the environmental and infrastructure-related industries. Through this subsidiary, NSK aims to expand its industrial machinery bearings business by supplying the Chinese market with high-quality large-sized bearings in a timely manner."

Getting closer to the customer has been especially important to winning new business in China, particularly in the fast-growing wind energy sector, as has the ability to address the country's need for large precision bearings. NSK aims to take its expertise to China in both areas.

Although the new company doesn't yet have a name, it will be located in the Shenyang Economic and Technological Development Area, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province. The site is approximately 80,000 square meters, and the factory itself will be approximately 20,000 square meters.

It will be 100% owned by NSK, with no Chinese partners; budgeted, the facility is forecast to cost ¥10 billion (USD $11.5 million) by the time it comes online sometime in late 2010. Fully operational, the business will employ approximately 300 people.